While most students think of a Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) as the only way to pursue further studies in law, there are alternative post-graduate degrees available for those who are interested in the law but do not wish to pursue a J.D. Many law schools now offer masters-level law degrees. These degrees are designed for individuals who want to pursue a legal education but are not interested in becoming a licensed attorney. These degrees are known by many names, including a Master of Studies in Law (MSL), a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and a Juris Masters (JM).
LLM degrees are unique to other master-level programs. LLM degrees are for individuals who have already earned a J.D. degree in the United States or a first law degree in another country.
Masters-level law programs can vary extensively in focus and specialty depending upon the respective program; however, they all tend to share these common traits:
- More relaxed admission requirements (no LSAT).
- Shorter curriculums (2-3 semesters/30 credits) compared to JD programs (6 semesters).
- An ability to select coursework which reflects unique interests (though the extent of specialization can vary).
- More cost effective than a traditional JD.
- More specifically tailored for current professionals who may utilize legal document, work with regulation/policy, or frequently assist legal professionals, but do not wish to become an attorney.
Some programs are designed for specific professions that frequently interact with legal professionals, such as paralegals or expert witnesses. Other programs emphasize niche areas of the law for those who may work in an area heavily subsumed with that type of law such as human resources or business. Finally, some programs are more focused on breadth, introducing students to a variety of common legal topics such as criminal law and contracts. If considering a master-level program it is important to consider the career paths and opportunities this unique degree will offer.
Keep reading for additional insights and examples of these unique educational programs!
Insights from an expert…
Margareth Etienne, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs and Carl L. Vacketta Professor of Law at the University of Illinois College of Law, recently shared some of her insights about masters-level programs and the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree available here at Illinois.
What questions/factors should a prospective student consider if making a decision between pursuing a JD or MSL program?
Answer:
The JD is a professional degree that prepares students to practice law and take the bar exam, while the MSL is a terminal degree designed for professionals who want a foundational understanding of the law without practicing it. Key considerations include career goals (whether you want to practice law or simply apply legal knowledge in another field), time and financial commitment (three years for the JD vs. one or year for the MSL), and the need for a professional law license in one’s future career.
What types of careers/positions would benefit from an MSL degree?
Answer:
The MSL is ideal for professionals in fields where legal knowledge is useful but a full law degree isn’t required. This includes roles in compliance, human resources, healthcare, technology, and regulatory affairs. Individuals in these sectors benefit from a deeper understanding of legal frameworks without needing to practice law.
What are some key curricular differences between a master’s program and a JD program?
Answer:
The JD program offers a comprehensive legal education designed to prepare students for the bar exam and legal practice. JD students need to take three years of courses and 90 credit hours in total, with 31 of them on traditional doctrinal law, 2 on advanced legal writing and 6 on experiential learning. In contrast, the MSL curriculum is tailored for non-lawyers and emphasizes the application of legal principles in various industries. MSL students are free to choose from more than 150 course offerings with only 3 required courses. The required credit to obtain the degree is only 32 as opposed to 90.
How can students learn more about the Illinois MSL program?
Answer:
Students can learn more about the MSL program by visiting the University of Illinois College of Law website: MSL Program – University of Illinois College of Law or contacting the Graduate and International Programs Office directly via email: law-gradprograms@illinois.edu; or phone ((217) 333-6066).
If you are interested in learning more about the College of Law’s MSL program, please plan to join us later this academic year for an information session on the Illinois MSL program!
A special thank you to Portia Xu, Law Programs Associate at the Illinois College of Law, for her contributions.
What type of specialized programs are available?
Below is a highlight of just a few uniquely specialized master-level programs in law. A growing number of law schools offer these types of academic programs with increasing number of specialty areas – use these examples as a start to your own research!
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Master of Science in Law is focuses on the intersection of law, business, and technology. It has a specific focus on business law and entrepreneurship, intellectual property and patent design, and regulatory analysis. The MSL degree is offered in two formats: residential full-time over 9 months and online part-time over 2-4 years.
If you missed our Information Session on Northwestern’s MSL program, you can watch it here! If you would like to chat with Northwestern’s representatives further, please check out the Graduate & Professional School Fair on October 9!
University of Denver Sturm College of Law offers several different Master of Legal Studies programs, including a program in Forensic Engineering. The Forensic Engineering program is designed to help individuals who may serve as expert witnesses. The concentration focuses on investigating the cause and extent of damage caused by construction and design defects. Coursework may include Construction Law, Forensic and Scientific Evidence, and the Expert Witness Role. This program is a perfect example of one that helps individuals that frequently interact with legal professionals but do not want or need to pursue a JD.
Fordham University School of Law offers an M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance and Fashion Law. The Corporate Compliance curriculum focuses on developing the understanding of corporate compliance programs and offices. Students are introduced to regulatory frameworks in areas such as banking and financial services. Required coursework includes Compliance Risk Assessment and International Financial Crimes. This program would be excellent for a professional in a field such a banking, which is heavily regulated and frequently deals with compliance issues.
If you are interested in learning more about these pathways and methods to explore available programs, please reach out to the Pre-Law Advising Office at prelaw.illinois.edu!